Uptown Village will once again kick off the holiday season with its signature event, the “Parade of JOY,” which will be emceed by WFAA-TV anchor Gloria Campos and meteorologist Greg Fields. Other activities will include Santa’s arrival, and a community tree-lighting ceremony with free entertainment for the entire family.
• Third-Annual “Parade of JOY” – 8:30 a.m.
Community groups from across Dallas’ Best Southwest region, which includes Cedar Hill, Desoto, Ducanville and Lancaster, will join Uptown Village for its third annual “Parade of JOY, sponsored by Proforma A to Z Specialties, Cedar Hill Recreation Center and Reunion Title. More than 6,000 participants and spectators were in attendance at the 2009 “Parade of JOY.”
New to this year’s event are emcees Gloria Campos and Greg Fields from WFAA-TV, both of whom are from the Best Southwest community.
Line-up for the parade will begin on Cedar Hill Road near Pioneer Trail. The parade will proceed to the Dillard’s parking lot and wind through the shopping center, ending in front of Petaluma Café. During the parade, select groups, including local dance teams, bands, cheerleaders and more, will be invited to perform a short routine as they pass by the performance area, located in front of the interactive tree near James Avery and Coldwater Creek. The parade will culminate with Santa’s debut as he arrives at his Uptown Village home for the holidays.
• “Parade of JOY” Holiday Spirit Competition – 8:30 a.m.
Also new to this year’s event is the “Parade of JOY” Holiday Spirit Competition. Prizes will be awarded immediately following the parade to participants in the following categories: best float, best band, best dance group, most festive décor, best vehicle décor, best walking group, best Uptown Village tenant participant, crowd favorite and best overall.
• Santa Photos – beginning at 11 a.m.
Following the parade, Santa will listen to holiday wishes and take photos with young guests. Guests may visit Santa at his home in the Village Green through Dec. 24. For daily Santa hours and photo package prices, visit www.uptownvillageatcedarhill.com.
• Car Show and Toy Drive benefitting Toys for Tots – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Vintage cars will be piled high with gifts for needy children at the Uptown Village Toys for Tots toy drive, hosted in conjunction with the monthly Classic Car Cruise-In. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate. The toy drive will take place near Bailey's Grille.
• Community Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Entertainment – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Holiday festivities will continue when Santa flips the switch to illuminate 100,000 lights on Uptown Village’s 30-foot, interactive tree. Located in the Village Green across from Barnes & Noble Booksellers.
Entertainment during the event will include:
o A children’s holiday variety show featuring jugglers, clowns, magic, puppets, dancing and holiday music from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
o Strolling stilt walkers and jugglers at the Village Green from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
o A 15-minute Nutcracker performance by Momentum Dance Company (time TBD).
o Complimentary tastings provided by Uptown Village restaurants throughout the event.
Uptown Village at Cedar Hill is located at 305 West FM 1382 in Cedar Hill. For more information, visit www.uptownvillageatcedarhill.com or call Guest Service at 972.637.6301.